I love the approach to this list, written by Dr. Elaine Eshbaugh who runs the blog, “Welcome to Dementialand.” It’s not necessarily for those of us who have been through the challenges of being a caregiver for someone with dementia. These simple, smart tips are for “everyone else.” Relatives, friends, nursing home staff and just about everyone could benefit from learning how to better communicate with those with dementia.

One of my favorite tips is: “Minimize competing stimuli.” Those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be easily overwhelmed. It made me think back to my father visiting me at the casino resort, and how I instantly realized what a poor choice that was, as I explain in my book, The Reluctant Caregiver.

“Sensory-friendly” is a concept that I see being implemented for those with autism. I think similar steps can be taken to make things “dementia-friendly.”